Hat-holding device



May 7, 1929. c CQWAN' JR 1,712,421

HAT HOLDING DEVICE Filed Sept. 26, 1928 gig 1.9

[T- l i z 4 .16" I! i "l 5-- 12 O'Zarlea HZ Coal/am Jz' INVENTORATTORNEY Patented May 7, 1929.

CHARLES If. COWAN, 511., OF STONINGTON, CONNECTICUT.

HAT-HOLDING DEVICE.

Application filed September 26, 1928.

The object of this invention is to provide a device of the characterindicated which shall include a plurality of jaws adapted to engage thesweat band of a hat, or the inner portion of the crown, andmountingmeans for the jaws comprising a forked resilient structure having offsetportions in the arms thereof, and the ends of the arms entering theinner portions of the jaws, said jaws having their apporaching endsslotted and the slotted portions being engaged by the respective arms ofthe fork.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention consists inthe novel construction and arrangement of elements described,illustrated and claimed, it being understood that modifications may bemade within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit ofthe invention.

In the drawing forming part of this application,

Figure 1 is a plan view of the device, with a portion of one jaw memberbroken away to show its engagement with an element of the fork.

Figure 2 constitutes a section through the crown and brim of the hat,the hat holding device being in elevation.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view showing the device carried by the arms ofthe fork as having been shifted from the position of Figure l to aposition changing the relative position of the jaws.

Figure 4 is a detail view on line 4% of Figure 1, and shows the relationof the elements of thefork to the jaws, at their slotted ends, and alsoshows the connecting device between the elements of the fork, adjacentto the offset portions thereof.

The aws are numbered 10 and 11, and each jaw may be provided with anouter covering of fabric or felt such as 12 if desired. This coveringelement tends to prevent slipping of the holding device with referenceto the sweat band of the hat.

- Each jaw includes, or may include, an enlarged portion such as 13,apertured at 14: for the ends of a fork or U-shaped metallic elemcntcomprising the outer portions 15, the diverging portions 16, the offsetportions 17, and the handle portions 18. The latter merge into theUshaped end 19.

Each jaw is provided with an inner slotted end, the slots being shown at20, and being adapted to receive the portions 16 of the Serial No.308,437.

forked member. Owing to the shape of the fork, and the positive mountingat 14: of the end portions thereof, the inner ends of the jaws willmaintain operative relation with the forks, but pins may also beprovided if desired at thepoint or points 21.

The portions 18 of the fork are adjustably connected by a link or aplurality of connected links, as shown at 22, the ends of the linksincluding ring members slidable with reference to the portions 18 of thefork.

In Figure 1 the diverging portions of the fork, and the jaws, are shownas expanded, or in position for positively engaging the sweat band ofthe hat, in order that it may be held in the hands, or suspended from ahook or the like 24. Under these circumstances the links are positionedadjacent to the offset portions 17, but under the conditions of Figure3, the links have been moved longitudinally of the handle formed. by theportions 18 and the jaws have approached each other, as they would dounder pressure by the hand of the user, the links 22 then being shiftedif desired to maintain that position, for the time being.

The device is suitable for use under ordinary circumstances, wherein itis desired to suspend or support a hat from a hook or the like withoutdanger of itsbeing readily displaced by air currents and the like andthe device is also suitable for use by those desiring to properlysupport a hat while the latter is being cleaned, the handle portionsthen being held by the operator.

Having described the invention what is claimed is:

1. In a device of the character described, a

plurality of jaws of segmental form and having-their approaching endsspaced and slotted,'and a resilient forked element engaging the slottedportions and having connection with the jaws intermediate of the endsthereof.

2. In a device of the class described, a plurality of jaws of segmentalform and having corresponding ends approaching each other, a resilientforked member including arms engaging the approaching ends and beingconnected with the jaws intermediate of the ends thereof said forkedmember including a handle portion, and means controlling the extent ofspread of the arms of the fork.

3. In a device of the class described, a plurality of jaws of segmentalform and having corresponding ends approaching each other,

a resilient forked member including arms engaging the approaching endsand being connected with the jaws intermediate of the ends thereoflsaidforked member including a Bhandle portion, ,and means controlling theextent of spread of the arms of the fork, the arms being ofi'set and themeanscontrolling the extent of spread being adapted to engage the offsetportion, and being slidable therefrom to the main ort-ions of the arms,for re- 10 duc-ing the space etween the jaws and freeing the latter fromthe hat.

In testimony whereof I afiix in signature.

CHARLES H. CO\ AN, JR.

